Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), earlier referred to as the novel coronavirus (nCOV) is a respiratory disease, the origin of which is still unknown. MERS- CoV comes from the corona virus family. It is that family of viruses which is responsible for spreading the common cold. However, this disease is more severe and has even proved deadly in many cases. MERS- CoV is said to be a zoonotic virus. This implies that it can pass from animals to human beings.
Read More: NEET Biology 2023: Tips to score 320+ in NEET Exam (Biology)
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Signs and Symptoms
Here is a look at the signs and symptoms that a person suffering from MERS-CoV may show:
- Breathlessness
- Cough and Sore Throat
- Fever
- Chills
- Body Ache
- Chest Pain
- Headache Nausea and Vomiting
- Diarrhea
If ignored or left untreated, MERS-CoV can turn fatal and cause organ failure and pneumonia. Not all the patients affected by MERS-CoV are likely to show the aforementioned symptoms. They may just have mild respiratory problem.
Read: Chikungunya: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Diagnosis and Treatment
If the signs and symptoms mentioned above appear then it is strongly recommended to consult the doctor. Samples are taken from the infected person’s respiratory tract (RT). Polymerase chain reaction testing is done to confirm this disease. The tests can detect this illness around 10 days after it starts.
While there is no exclusive treatment for the same, however supportive medical care can help in reducing the complications and cure the patients over time.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Prevention and Precautions
No vaccination has been developed so far to cure this illness. However, in order to reduce the risk of incurring this condition, one can take the following precautionary measures:
- Wash hands properly with soap and water
- Wash fruits and vegetables properly before consumption
- Avoid having food from unhygienic places
- Do not Eat undercooked meat
- Avoid contact with those with respiratory illness
- Consult the doctor immediately if you see any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Cases
Researchers claim that MERS-CoV first began in animals and gradually engulfed the humans. This respiratory problem is said to have started in bats and then transmitted to camels. It can pass from camels to humans but there is no clarity on how this happens.
The first case of MERS- CoV was reported in Saudi Arabia back in the year 2012. Majority of the cases of this respiratory illness have so far been reported in and around the Arabian Peninsula only. Two cases of this disease were confirmed in the United States in 2014. One of these cases was found in Indiana and other in Florida. It was found that both these patients had travelled to Saudi Arabia. Any case outside Saudi Arabia is said to be travel-related.
Read Other Disease Blogs:
- Yellow Fever : Symptoms, Causes and Prevention
- Listeriosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- Lassa Fever Treatment, Symptoms, History & Transmission
- Dengue Fever – Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
- Precautions for Dengue & Other Harmful Disease
The illness is fatal and it is feared that it may become pandemic.
Keep following Etoos blog for latest updates.